Super Eagles Hopeful Expects Zamalek To Respond After Champions League Exit

Super Eagles hopeful Maroof Yusuf wants Zamalek to be "solid and positive" as they battle with El Geish in a mouth-watering Egyptian Cup match on Thursday.

Zamalek crashed out of the CAF Champions League, following a 2-2 draw with Al Ahli Tripoli on Sunday.

The former Kwara United utility player acknowledges that the Whites will be under scrutiny at the Al Salam Stadium.

"El Geish have a good team. They've got a lot of expectation levels at that club now, so it's going to be a hard game. It's quite an even tie, it's going to be two very good teams going at it. So it'll be tough," Yusuf told allnigeriasoccer.com.

The versatile lad believes that a "unique" mix of pride and passion makes this Thursday's showpiece fixture stand out, admitting that it would be a huge fillip for Zamalek's season to emerge victorious.

"It is a massive and glamorous fixture. The significance and passion is reflected in the game. We have one objective, which is to win on Thursday.

''My teammates are aware of the task that lies ahead of them.''

While acknowledging the game in Cairo gives Zamalek a slight advantage, Maroof realizes there is plenty of hard work ahead.

"We know that we can't afford to let down our fans, that's the aim for us.

"The key will be to be solid but positive at the same time – go there to try and win the game, but at the same time be solid.

''Defensively as a unit [we have to] try and be the way we have been most of the season, which is very good.

''I'm sure they'll find it hard as well, but it's an even tie – two good teams looking to push''.

Yusuf trained with the Super Eagles ahead of their African Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa last month, and is hoping to be make the roster for the next battle  against Cameroon early September.

Abayomi Ademetan.